The controversial Bible-burning fest that is supposedly to take place in Butterworth, Penang at 10am today turned out to be a non-event.

When journalists arrived at the Dewan Dato' Ahmad Badawi - the venue of the Bible-burning festival - at 9.30am, several police officers were seen patrolling the area.

Half an hour later, a police officer told the journalists at the hall that Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi would be holding a press conference.

"Confirm. ‘ Tak jadi ’ (It’s not happening)," he said, smiling, and prodding reporters to go to the Butterworth police station for the press conference.

burn bible event at dewan ahmad badawi 270113 Seberang Perai Municipal councillor Francis Ong, who was present at the venue, said 30 enforcement officers from the council were on duty today.

"They are surveying several points where the group - if any - might gather before coming to the field (outside the hall)," he said.

On Monday, St Marks Anglican church Rev John Kennady lodge a report over a leaflet he received in his letter box which called the public to join a Bible-burning festival today.

Cops thankful

Following the report, Abdul Rahim warned that stern action would be taken against those intending to participate in the event as well as those who spread such rumours.

NONE Perkasa has denied its involvement in the festival despite that its chief Ibrahim Ali had earlier called on Muslims to burn the BM Bibles.

Popular blogger Anil Netto, who planned to provide live coverage should the incident take place, said the threat to burn Bibles was just a diversion from the serious issues of the day facing the country.

"I believe most Malaysians have greater respect for people of other faiths and they far outnumber the few bigots in our midst."

Meanwhile, Abdul Rahim said he was thankful that the event did not materialise.

"I thank the people, especially the Malay Muslims for not participating in the event.

"As CPO responsible for the security here, I urge everyone not bring up religious and cultural issues that can undermine the harmony in the country," he added, in a press conference.